New Head of Ashford Prep School

Mrs Archer has been appointed following a rigorous recruitment process led by executive search firm Odgers Berndtson which attracted many high calibre candidates from leading independent schools, both regionally and nationally.

Mrs Archer is an experienced educational leader with a track record of delivering whole school strategic objectives and exciting new initiatives.  Mrs Archer is currently Deputy Head and Head of Boarding at Marlborough House School.  She joined Marlborough House as Head of Learning Support in 2014 and has promoted through a range of key leadership roles to her current position as sole Deputy Head.  Mrs Archer also led the introduction of the Prep School Baccalaureate at Marlborough House and is passionate about the educational advantages of the skills-based learning framework. 

An alumna of Ashford School herself, Philippa spent seven happy years as a pupil in the Senior School.  She holds a BA in English Literature and History of Art and Architecture from Reading University and completed her teacher training at Canterbury Christchurch University.

On her appointment, Mrs Archer said:

“I am delighted to be returning to Ashford School as Head of the Prep School.  During my recent visits, I have been struck by the warmth and energy of the School community, whose values clearly underpin a very happy School environment.  Ashford Prep has an excellent reputation and the children I have met have demonstrated the wonderful confidence that the School instils in them, as a result of their exceptional education.  I am thrilled to be playing a lead role in building on Ashford Prep’s successes and am looking forward to meeting many of you over the coming months.”

Mrs Archer will be joining Ashford School with her husband and two children, Thea and Harry.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Michael Hall, Head of Ashford School, said:

“I was so pleased that our Prep School attracted such a strong field of candidates. To be able to appoint Philippa, who represents such a close fit to our ethos and educational philosophy, is very exciting. I am confident our Prep School will continue to thrive and achieve the highest standards under Philippa’s leadership.”